Italian Production Car of the Year 2006

The array of desirable new production models from Alfa Romeo was further rewarded by voters: the Alfa Spider (2,605) won the contest for Production Car of the Year just ahead of another potent Alfa Romeo, this time the Alfa GT Q2 (2,219), demonstrating that this gorgeous coupé is still as fresh as ever. Third place went to the sporty new Panda 100HP (1,124).

Alfa Romeo 147 Q2

Alfa Romeo's new Q2 self-locking front differential improves all the strong points of a front-wheel drive system in terms of active safety, increasing driving enjoyment and control. The system is now available on the Alfa 147 exclusively with the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM model. The Q2 system controls the torque of this diesel engine, guaranteeing maximum control and traction in all driving conditions. The Alfa 147 Q2 features satin finish, 17" alloys, rear spoiler, chromed exhaust terminal, lowered suspension and a sporty interior with black leather seats and Bose Hi-Fi system.

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

Italian styling, the highest standards in safety, the performance and handling of a thoroughbred sports car, and the flexible, versatile use of space of a prestigious station wagon. These are the salient features of the new Alfa 159 Sportwagon which was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March and has since gone on sale around the globe. Available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options, the Sportwagon also comes standard with all-wheel drive on the range-topping 3.2 V6 model.

Alfa Romeo GT Q2

Alfa Romeo's new Q2 self-locking front differential improves all the strong points of a front-wheel drive system in terms of active safety, increasing driving enjoyment and control. The system is now available on the Alfa GT exclusively with the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDm model. The Q2 system controls the torque of this diesel engine, guaranteeing maximum control and traction in all driving conditions. The Alfa GT Q2 features satin finish, 18" wheels, dual chromed exhaust terminals, lowered suspension and a sporty interior trim with black leather seats and Bose Hi-Fi system.

Alfa Romeo Spider

The Spider has an important place in Alfa Romeo tradition because it has always embodied the 'free emotive' expression of the car. The new Spider reiterates the same theme, and was developed by Pininfarina working in conjuction with Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. Both the exterior and interior represent the higest level of Italian style, introducing top-quality materials and opulent features. This most elegant of all Alfa Romeo production models is available with the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS petrol engines, the latter coming standard with all-wheel drive.

Fiat Panda 100 HP

The Panda continues to amaze with the sporty 100 HP, which is fitted with a new 1.4 16v engine, producing 100 bhp at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 131 Nm at 4250 rpm. A top speed of 185 km/h, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.5 seconds, and a fuel consumption of 6.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle, make the Panda 100 HP an attractive option for the young and performance-minded motorist. Designed under the supervision of ex-Ferrari designer Frank Stephenson, the 100 HP features special bumpers, a more aggressive grille and 15" alloy wheels.

Fiat Panda Panda

Due to go on sale next January, the Panda Panda is a smart, practical, fun and environmentally sound car: the new minimum environmental impact vehicle is equipped with a 1.2 8v engine with dual petrol/methane fuel system. This original Natural Power is set to become the new benchmark in the sustainable urban mobility vehicle scenario. The innovative Panda Panda overcomes the compromises of typical methane cars, with its two 72-litre underfloor-mounted methane tanks retaining the same interior, luggage, and petrol tank capacities as a standard Panda.

Fiat Panda Cross

Coming on stream earlier this year, the Panda Cross is available exclusively with the 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet engine. It conveys an immediate impression of freshness and fun, backed by solidity and sturdiness. Its roof bars, chunky side strips, big headlights and wide bumpers give it a strong aesthetic personality. The Panda Cross also offers outstanding off-road performance, thanks to its small size, four-wheel drive and locking differential. Its practical interior gives a maximum loading capacity of 855 litres, whereas the use of a sliding rear seat adds to the benefits.

Fiat Panda Monster

Derived from the Panda Cross, the Monster is the outcome of a joint venture between Fiat and Ducati. This special series is available in a limited number of 695 units, and features a design inspired by the new Ducati Monster 695 motorbike. The Panda Monster is equipped with the 70 bhp 1.3 Multijet engine, and a host of creature comforts: including an automatic climate control system, a Bluetooth handsfree system, radio/CD/MP3, rear privacy glass, and a sporty exterior and interior trim finish. A confidential retail price adds to the exclusivity of this baby Fiat.

Fiat Perla

The Perla represents the first Fiat model developed specifically for the Chinese market by Nanjing Fiat Automobile Co Ltd. Based on stretched Fiat Siena architecture, the Perla seeks to hook into Chinese new car buyers' demands for a cost effective saloon that is able to offer larger and more luxurious pretentions than the Siena affords. The new Perla is initially available with a 1.7-litre petrol engine, coupled to a 5-speed Fiat gearbox, and offers compartively high equipment levels and interior refinements. The styling adopts cues from indigenous Fiat models.

Fiat Idea Adventure

Developed by Fiat Automòveis for the Brazilian market, the Fiat Idea Adventure is the latest model to join the burgeoning Adventure series. With high ground clearance, and rugged styling including a roof rack, chunky five-spoke alloy wheels and tailgate-mounted spare tyre, the Idea Adventure aims to compete in the highly successful Brazilian off-road vehicle market. This segment has seen a developing trend in recent years due to a greater appreciation for more capable cars that can withstand the nation's traditionally poor road surfaces.

Fiat Sedici

Although launched last winter as a new model, the Hungarian-built Sedici only came on stream in February 2006. The Sedici was also made available to the organisation of the Twentieth Winter Olympic Games, which concided with the model's launch. Offered with 1.6 petrol and 1.9 diesel engines, the 4x4 model was developed and is produced in cooperation with Suzuki. The Sedici concept provides a fusion of different vehicle types: the handling of a compact Fiat, the capable off-road performance of an SUV and a practical and elegant design by Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Fiat Linea

Fiat Linea is an all-new C-segment three-box saloon which made its debut at the Istanbul Motor Show in November. Produced in collaboration with Tofas, the Turkish joint venture between Fiat Auto and Koç Holding, the Linea will first be manufactured at the joint venture's Bursa plant in Turkey and will be marketed in a number of European and non-European countries from the second half of 2007. The Linea will later be produced in other countries by Fiat. Styled by Centro Stile Fiat, the Linea promises svelte lines and superior interior space, comfort and luggage capacity.

Lancia Ypsilon FL

The Ypsilon facelift offers a more up-to-date style which makes the car look bigger and sportier in order to appeal to male drivers. A new fiesty 16v petrol and 2 new Multijet diesel engines come with the optional Dolce Far Niente semi-automatic sequential gearbox. The new 77 bhp 1.4 8v petrol engine, available only with a manual gearbox, represents one of the most economical cars in its segment: 5.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle. The base-model 1.2 8v unit with 60 bhp offers good torque and smooth performance despite its small capacity.